Reach In to Reach Out campaign

Valentine Theatre to raise money for community outreach programs

The Valentine Theatre has launched two initiatives to support artists and community programs.

The downtown Toledo theatre recently announced the launch of its Reach In to Reach Out campaign to raise money for community outreach programs.

Through the programs, the Valentine offers a children's series in which productions of five classic musical tales in children's literature are brought to life by professional theater troupes. The series attracts more than 5,000 people annually.

Other efforts include master classes where accomplished performers mentor area students, discounted tickets for shows, and several other programs.

"The Valentine Theatre, management team, board and staff, strive to operate true to its mission, that of community outreach toward children, students/education and the under-served, while developing an affordable and friendly home venue for the city's performing arts groups that wish to utilize this beautiful and historic space," Matt Lentz, director of marketing for the Valentine, said in a statement.

Pamphlets were mailed out to some 10,000 potential donors. Additional information is available by calling the theater at 419-242-3490. The Valentine hopes to raise $50,000.

The theater also established the Local Performing Arts Fund to help offset the costs to arts groups using the theater. To raise money for the fund, the theater will host its first Season of the Arts Preview this fall. A date hasn't been set for the day-long celebration that will feature performances by local groups who use the theater, including the Toledo Symphony, Toledo School for the Arts, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Opera and the Toledo Repertoire.

"It's like a sneak-peek of what they intend to do for the upcoming season," said Tedd Long, board chairman of the Valentine Theatre. "We're hoping that someone will come to hear jazz and be blown away by opera and buy some tickets."

Contact RoNeisha Mullen at rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.

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